Rio Mesa Nears Elusive League Title

After nearly 19 years of frustration, what’s another four days?

That’s how long the Rio Mesa High boys’ soccer team must wait before it can clinch the first Channel League championship in the program’s history.

The first-place Spartans moved closer to that elusive title with a 4-1 dismantling of Buena, a traditional league power, Thursday at Rio Mesa.

The result was less the product of poor play by the Bulldogs (11-3-5, 5-2-4 in league play) than dominant execution by the Spartans (13-1-4, 7-0-4). The teams tied, 2-2, earlier in the season.

“We were outplayed and outhustled,” Buena Coach Sean Roche said. “They’re playing like champions. No one’s going to touch them.”

Rio Mesa can clinch the title with a victory Tuesday at Hueneme. A tie would guarantee the Spartans a share of the championship.

Buena played without starters Randy Glaser at forward and Carlos Sanchez in the midfield. Rio Mesa played without forward Jaime Ambriz, who has scored 17 goals in 13 matches but was ejected in the Spartans’ last match.

Despite the absence of Ambriz, Rio Mesa started in high gear and rarely faltered.

Thirty-yard shots by Ivan Medina in the third minute and Austin Dillon in the 34th gave Rio Mesa a 2-0 halftime lead.

Four minutes after the half, a long throw-in by Jeff Evans bounced off the hands of Buena goalkeeper Andy Davies and into the net for a 3-0 advantage.

Dillon headed in Rio Mesa’s final goal in the 50th minute. Buena’s Luis Sanchez scored in the 68th minute.

Rio Mesa created its offense by forcing repeated turnovers. The Spartan defense was led by aggressive sweeper David Chooljian.

“We know Buena has a good team every year, no matter who graduates or transfers,” Chooljian said. “And to finally get by them, it’s been a long time coming.”